Aquarium staff member feeding terrapins

Full-Time Employment

The Virginia Aquarium recruits and hires most employees through the City of Virginia Beach, and offers generous professional development opportunities! View available full-time positions on the City's website.

Part-Time Contract Employment

We are currently hiring for the following part-time positions:

Hourly Rate

$15.45

Hours

20-40 hours per week, Monday-Friday

Duties

Keep the Aquarium looking and operating great!

  • Support the Aquarium’s building and facilities needs by responding to calls and requesting maintenance using a work order database, performing minor repairs, and supporting projects
  • Provide professional level communication and support to aquarium staff, city maintenance teams, contractors, and vendors
  • Greet all guests with a smile, a verbal greeting, and approachable friendliness
  • Always project a professional image while in uniform
  • Ability to handle multiple tasks by priority
  • Survey the Aquarium to confirm work completion, and report maintenance needs
  • Research vendors and suppliers for materials and projects
  • Perform paint touch ups
  • Must be able to write and communicate clearly
  • Able to follow detailed instructions both verbal and written
  • Able to lift 50 pounds, climb, stretch, work in tight spaces
  • Ability to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions

Preferences

High school diploma and experience with building maintenance, customer service, database use, word processing, Excel, hand tool use and building repairs. Flexible work schedule. Provide enthusiastic support to maintenance personnel, contractors and aquarium staff. Ability to work in the occasional fast paced stressful situation. Great listening skills. Great organizational skills. Self-starter with strong work ethic.

To Apply

Send your resume and cover letter via email to CSinger@VBGov.com . Or mail to:
Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
717 General Booth Blvd.
Virginia Beach, VA 23451

If selected, applicants will be hired through Abacus Staffing Services.

As part of the Virginia Aquarium Marketing team, the Photographer (Operations Specialist II) provides high-quality images for marketing efforts including advertising, public relations, digital channels (website, social, email) and Aquarium print collateral. The photographer attends events to capture photography that assists the marketing team in telling stories across digital and print media platforms. The Marketing team’s primary purpose is to increase Aquarium attendance and revenues while also supporting the education, conservation, and scientific research mission of the Aquarium.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Take photographs of animals and exhibits for use in a variety of marketing materials
  • Take photographs of guests, members, and staff for use in event-specific marketing
  • Cover special events related to significant animal events, fundraising events, etc. Events may fall on evenings and weekends.
  • Work with Marketing team members to identify photography needs for existing animals and exhibits
  • Coordinate and schedule shoots with Brand Manager, and Animal Care, Stranding and other Aquarium sections, as needed
  • Maintain photo library, tag photos and work with Brand Manager to keep library organized
  • Follow workflow with Brand Manager regarding proofs, selects, retouching and approval processes
  • Responsible for maintaining all photographic equipment and studio systems
  • Color correct and retouch photos as needed
  • Possibility for hybrid work – onsite photography and remote editing
  • Other duties as assigned

Requirements

  • Experience photographing in low-lighting and with moving subjects
  • Experience working with a marketing or creative team
  • Ability to seek and receive direction and feedback
  • Available to cover programs and special events onsite at the Aquarium, including evenings, weekends, or holidays, as assigned
  • Schedule flexibility to cover Aquarium happenings, including unforeseen animal events
  • Work approximately 10-14 hours per week
  • Update supervisor weekly about project workload and schedule

Rate

$20/hour. Based in Hampton Roads.

If selected for an interview, candidate will be asked to present their portfolio which should contain relevant information about recent and relevant photography work and experience. To apply, please email your resumé and a link to your portfolio to our Brand Manager, Krista Grabowski, at KGrabowski@VirginiaAquarium.com .

Hours

Flexible shifts including weekends and holidays and be available to work between the hours of 8:30AM and 6:30PM.

Duties

Provide exceptional guest service that transforms a day at the Aquarium from ordinary to extraordinary.

  • Greet all guests in line of sight with a smile, a verbal greeting, and approachable friendliness.
  • Sell merchandise, answer questions about the merchandise, maintain a clean and organized sales floor, and restock and process merchandise.
  • Receive payment by cash, credit cards, or vouchers. Issue receipts, refunds, or change due to guests.
  • Assist guests in a friendly and positive manner by using your knowledge of Aquarium offerings, prices, Membership, directions, and general information.
  • Become familiar with the Aquarium's story – history, accomplishments, and future goals.
  • Go beyond what is expected – deliver personal experiences that inspire, delight, and engage.
  • Project a professional image while in uniform.

Requirements

  • Must be able to work flexible shifts including weekends and holidays and be available to work between the hours of 8:30AM and 6:30PM.
  • This is a position that requires the applicant to stand for long periods of time, it is not a seated position.

Preferences

  • Outstanding customer service skills.
  • Completion of at least two years of high school.
  • Enthusiastic, motivated, and enjoy working with people.
  • Cash handling experience.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

How to Apply

Send a resume via email to Stores@VirginiaAquarium.com .

Undergraduate Internships

Check back later for upcoming opportunities! We offer several internships for college students throughout the year. These unpaid positions provide career exploration for rising college juniors and seniors seeking academic credit with an interest in pursuing careers related to biology, marine biology, science education, aquarium sciences, or related support staff positions.

Post-Graduate Internships

Check back later for upcoming opportunities! Our post-graduate internship opportunities also provide career exploration in biology, marine biology, science education, aquarium sciences, or related support staff positions. These positions are available for application through the City of Virginia Beach.

Fellowships

Check back later for upcoming fellowships! We offer fellowship opportunities in marine science, animal care, exhibits, and education, to college or post-graduate students. The Batten Fellowship also includes a stipend to help offset personal and incidental expenses. Batten Fellowships fund students to complete work in specific projects and programs.

Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion

Guest examining rainbow merchandise on table at Pride Month event.

Our Commitment

Our team recognizes that diverse communities are stronger, more resilient communities, both in nature and society.

About Diversity & Inclusion